My wife seized control of the TV remote control and tuned into the Oscars. Then the friendly folks at MSN put an article about the emcee's jokes about last year's violence between The Fresh Prince and Chris Rock, which included this poll:

NEWS POLL

Do you think there should or should not be jokes made about the 2022 incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars?

• There should be
• There should not be
• I'm not sure
• Other / No opinion

In Pursuit of Power

Biden has expanded his powers by declaring a "National Emergency" over the Ukraine proxy war. It only took his signature. Whatta democracy! Clayton will explain his expanded powers in a clip below the fold. Meanwhile we have the US ambassador in China declaring the US as the major power in the region as we sell more weapons to Taiwan. There's also been more fall out from the "lockdown files" as it has become obvious the pandemic was used as a power grab. So we see individuals, nations, and corporations all pursuing ever more power and control.

Afternoon folks!

This week we've got James Cotton doing some classic Chicago blues from his early days followed by an early Taj Mahal album. Following that is some blues-rock with the J. Geils Band recorded live and a studio album from country blues band Mother Earth (featuring Tracy Nelson). Then it's on to some bluegrass with a really great live album from The White Brothers (also known as the Kentucky Colonels) featuring Clarence White - better known for his work with The Byrds. Rounding out the order this week is some prog-rock with Curved Air.

Enjoy!

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The efforts by China to rekindle the diplomatic relations of Iran and Saudi Arabia provides hope. I hope the momentum for diplomacy instead of conflict keeps expanding faster than violent acts.

Happy Friday everyone. Hope everybody is doing well. Post any photos, memes, or music you like.

Pinnipeds. Otherwise known as Seals, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Walrus.
Shots 1-5 are Sea Lions The last shot are Harbor Seals

Major league dog pile

Moon of Alabama has a fascinating discussion today about Iran and Saudi Arabia agreeing to work together.

https://www.moonofalabama.org/

... Mediated By China Iran And Saudi Arabia Restore Ties - There Are Winners And Losers

This is huge!

Regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore ties after years of tensions